Jump skipper toy

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to lengthen and channel liquid during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This description relates to toys, and more particularly to skippingtoys.

BACKGROUND

Conventional toys may include an element attached to a loop. A personmay play with such a toy by, for example, continuously moving the loopin a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontallyrevolves around the loop. A person’s ability to continuously twirl theelement may provide a game of physical dexterity and coordination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional toys may include an element attached to a loop. A personmay play with such a toy by, for example, continuously moving the loopin a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontallyrevolves around the loop. A person’s ability to continuously twirl theelement may provide a game of physical dexterity and coordination.

Embodiments of the present invention features the ability to have funwhile also getting your body moving. This toy gives the challenge ofkeeping the toy rotating around a person’s ankle with the enjoyment ofhaving the toy spin around and lift off the ground via the coiled cord.

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fitaround an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first endconnected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end ofthe tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotationof the element around the angle region of the person.

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fitaround an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first endconnected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end ofthe tether, wherein the tether is configured to lengthen and channelliquid during rotation of the element around the angle region of theperson.

In further embodiments, a method may include connecting a collar with atether at a first end of the tether, wherein the collar is configured tofit around an ankle region of a person; and connecting the tether withan element at a second end of the tether, wherein the tether isconfigured to expand during rotation of the element around the angleregion of the person.

The details of specific implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the device with nested tubes, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cut through view of a nested tube of the device,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of an open nested tube, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the device with a weave covered cord,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut through view of the weave covered cord, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the device with a fabric covered cord,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut through view of fabric covered cord, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a removably attached device with a coiled tether, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the coiled tether, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device connected with a fluid conduit, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blowout view of a fluid collar, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the fluid collar, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of the fluid collar, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates a fluid source conduit in connection with the fluidcollar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12C illustrates a fluid tether in connection with the fluid collar,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating the device, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of assembling the device, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as anexample, instance, or illustration.” Thus, any embodiment describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. Reference to various aspects withinthe drawings does not mean that all embodiments of the present inventionor claims must include the referenced aspects. Furthermore, there is nointention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented inthe preceding technical field, background, summary, or the followingdetailed description.

In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein likeparts are designated with the reference numerals throughout. As used inthe description herein and throughout, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and“said” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in”includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments describe adevice, which may be utilized as a toy, with a collar, a tether, and anelement. The collar configured to fit around an ankle region of aperson. The tether may connect the collar and the element. Also, thetether may be configured to expand during rotation of the element aroundthe ankle region of the person as the person rotates the element aroundthe ankle. A person may play with such a device by, for example,continuously moving the collar in a small circular motion. In this way,the element horizontally revolves around the collar based on thecircular motion made be the person. This tether may have uniqueproperties, such as elongation, based on how fast or how muchcentrifugal force is applied to the element in virtue of the rotationalmovement applied to the collar. Also, in certain embodiments, a liquidmay be channeled through the device and flow from the collar to theelement via the tether. The liquid, which may or may not be pressurizedfrom a fluid source, such as from the tap or a hose of a water supply,may flow out of the element while the device is played with.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the device 100 with nested tubes102A-D, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 100 mayinclude a collar 104 and an element 106. The collar may be configured orsized to fit around a person’s ankle, with some give for movement aroundthe ankle. In certain embodiments, the collar 104 may be from between 10centimeters to 50 centimeters in diameter. The collar may be made with agenerally rigid material such that movement of the collar around theankle would generally not force the collar to deform. The element 108may be an object, such as an object in the shape of a toy airplane. Atether 110 may be configured to connect the collar 104 with the element108. In certain embodiments, the tether 110 may be a string or otherelongated structure between the collar 104 and the element 108. Invarious embodiments, the tether 110 may be made of an elastic materialconfigured to expand or stretch when pressure is applied. Stated anotherway, the tether 110 may include a cord that is made of the elasticmaterial. In various embodiments, the tether 110 may have suchelasticity that rotational motion applied to the collar 104 to inducerotation of the element 108 may cause the tether 110 to expand itslength between the element 108 and the collar 104 (without breaking) byup to, for example, four times its length (or other variations of itslength) when rotational motion is applied to the collar, compared withwhen rotational motion is not applied to the collar. In the illustratedembodiment, the tether 110 may include, or be encapsulated by, nestedtubes 102A, 102B, 102C that cover an underlying cord of the tether 110completely when rotational motion is not applied to the collar or whenthe tether is not extended due to centrifugal force. Although fournested tubes are included in the illustrated embodiment, devices mayinclude any number of nested tubes as desired for different applicationsin different embodiments. For example, the tether 110 may include fiveor more or three or fewer nested tubes in other embodiments. Also, incertain embodiments, the device 100 may include a collar tube 102D thatis a tube that includes a clamp 103 which would limit an amount of giveof a cord within the collar tube 102D. In various embodiments, thetether 110 may be connected to the element 108 via a removableattachment 114, such as a release buckle. For example, the tether 110may terminate at one end of the removable attachment 114 and the elementmay begin at the other end of the removable attachment 114.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cut through view of a nested tube 202 of thedevice, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the illustratedembodiment, the nested tube 202 may radially encapsulate a cord 204 of atether 206. The nested tube 202 may include a narrowing focused region208 that may be generally conical in shape. The cord 204 may include aclamp 210 that is configured to be limited by the narrowing focusedregion 208 such that further tension applied to the cord 204 would notextend the length of the cord 204 due to the clamp 210 being unable tofit through and move beyond (e.g., to be stuck at) the narrowing focusedregion 208.

FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of the open nested tube 202, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, theopen nested tube 202 may include a side clasp 250 that may be configuredto be opened and closed via a clasping mechanism. Also, the open nestedtube 202 may include a hinge 252 that may open to allow the open nestedtube 202 to open.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the device 302 with a weave coveredcord 304, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 302 maybe like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity. Theweave covered cord may be part of a tether between a collar and anelement

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut through view of a weave covered cord 402, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. The weave covered cord 402 mayinclude an inner core 404 that is made of a consistent material, such asan elastic material. The weave covered cord 404 may also include anouter cladding 406, which may also possess elastic properties, but maybe made of a weaved material that is more robust and less prone toscratches or breaking than the inner core 404. In certain embodiments,the weave covered cord 402 may be a bungee cord.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the device 502 with a fabric coveredcord 504, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 502 maybe like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity. Thefabric covered cord 504 may be part of a tether between a collar and anelement.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut through view of fabric covered cord 602, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. The fabric covered cord 602 mayinclude an inner core 604 that is made of a consistent material, such asan elastic material. The fabric covered cord 602 may also include anouter cladding 606, which may also possess elastic properties, but maybe made of a material that is more robust and less prone to scratches orbreaking than the inner core 604. Also, the outer cladding 606 may bemade of a less elastic material than the inner core 604. For example,the outer cladding may be made of a scrunched or a compressed materialthat may be configured to expand to match the expansion of the innercore 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates a device 700 with a coiled tether 702, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. The coiled tether 702 may be a tether thatincludes a coiled end portion 706 that is secured to the element 708.The coiled tether 702 may be removably attached via a removableattachment 710, such as a release buckle. The part of the tether 702between the removable detachment 710 and the secured end of the coiledend portion 706 may be biased in a state of minimum extension at restbetween the removable detachment 710 and the secured end of the coiledend portion 706. Otherwise, the device 700 may be like the device 100already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus furtherfeatures will not be repeated here for brevity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut through view of the coiled end portion 706, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. The coiled end portion 706 mayinclude a reel 802 and a spring 804. The spring 804 may be secured tothe element (discussed above) and be biased to cause a cord 806 of thecoiled tether (discussed above) to be secured as the reel 802. This reel802 may release the cord 806 in a release direction 810 in response toincreased centrifugal force applied to the coiled end portion 706 as theelement (discussed above) is spinning. Also, the reel 802 may retractthe cord 806 in a retraction direction 812 in response to decreasedcentrifugal force applied to the coiled end portion 706 as the element(discussed above) is winding down.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device 902 connected with a fluid conduit 904, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 902 may beconfigured to channel fluid from the fluid conduit 904 through the fluidcollar 906, the fluid tether 908 and to an element (not illustrated) viaa connector 910 to the element (not illustrated). The fluid conduit 904may be coupled with the fluid collar 906 via a fluid conduit connector905, which may be a watertight seal connector, such as a connector in ascrew or other adhesive configuration, between the fluid conduit 904 andthe fluid collar 906. In certain embodiments, the element connector 910may be a watertight seal connector, such as a connector in a screw orother adhesive configuration, between the fluid tether 908 and theelement (not illustrated). In various embodiments, the fluid collar 906may include a feature 912 that may function like a handle for ease ofhandling for the fluid collar 906. In the illustrated embodiment, thefeature 912 may be removably connected with the fluid collar 906 viamounts 914A, 914B, which may be removable connections as discussedabove. Additional features of the device 902 may be like the device 100already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus furtherfeatures will not be repeated here for brevity.

In certain embodiments, the device 902 may include an on/off mechanismthat controls fluid flow through the device 902. For example, thefeature 912 and/or the fluid conduit connector 905 may function as avalve that, when on or open, allows for fluid flow and, when off orclosed, stops fluid flow through the device 902. In further embodiments,the device may be configured such that fluid may flow through the device902 (e.g., through the tube 904) when the element connector 910 isrotating (e.g., rotating relative to an ankle region of a personoperating the device 902). Also, the device may be configured such thatfluid may not flow through the device 902 (e.g., through the tube 904)when the element connector 910 is not rotating (e.g., rotating relativeto an ankle region of a person operating the device 902). For example,the feature 912 and/or the fluid conduit connector 905 may start or stopfluid flow through the device 902 based on whether the element connector910 is rotating.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blowout view of a fluid collar 1002, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. The fluid collar 1002 may include a topportion 1004, a gasket 1006, an annular channel 1008, and a bottomportion 1010. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit to the annularchannel 1008. The fluid in the annular channel 1008 may be channeled outof the annular channel 1008 via a gasket through hole 1012 and a topportion through hole 1014. The channeling of fluid through the gasketthrough hole 1012 and a top portion through hole 1014 will be discussedfurther below. During operation, the annular channel 1008 may beconfigured to be stationary while the top portion 1004, gasket 1006, andbottom portion 1010 rotates around the annular channel 1008. Each of thetop portion 1004, gasket 1006, annular channel 1008, and bottom portion1010 may be mechanically secured together, such as via conventionalmechanical connections.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a fluid collar 1102, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the fluid collar 1102 mayinclude a top portion 1104, an annular channel 1106, and a bottomportion 1110. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit to the annularchannel 1106. The fluid in the annular channel 1106 may be channeled outof the annular channel 1106 via a gasket through hole and a top portionthrough hole, discussed above. A fluid conduit 1108 may be connected tothe annular channel 1106. Also, the bottom portion 1110 may be formed ofone piece to directly contact the top portion 1104, thus allowing somevertical give between annular channel 1108 relative to the radialextremities of the bottom portion 1110 and the top portion 1104. Inaddition, a fluid tether 1014 may be configured to interface with thegasket through hole and a top portion through hole (and as representedby vertical line 1112), discussed above, so that fluid of the annularchannel 1106 may be channeled into the fluid tether 1014 and toward anelement.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a fluid collar 1202, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the fluidcollar 1202 may include a top portion 1210, an annular channel 1204, anda bottom portion 1208. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit tothe annular channel 1204. The fluid in the annular channel 1204 may bechanneled out of the annular channel 1204 via a gasket through hole anda top portion through hole 1210, discussed above. The bottom portion1208 may be formed of one piece to directly contact the top portion1202, thus allowing some vertical give between annular channel 1204relative to the radial extremities 1212 of the bottom portion 1208 andthe top portion 1202.

FIG. 12B illustrates a fluid source conduit 1230 in connection with thefluid collar 1234, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Asillustrated, the fluid source conduit 1230 may be in fluid communicationwith the annular channel 1234.

FIG. 12C illustrates an exploded view of a fluid tether 1252 inconnection with the fluid collar 1254, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. As discussed above, the fluid tether 1252 may be configuredto interface with a gasket through hole and a top portion through hole(and as represented by vertical line 1256), discussed above, so thatfluid of the annular channel 1258 may be channeled into the fluid tether1252 and toward an element.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating the device, in accordance withan exemplary embodiment. Although the method in FIG. 13 is illustratedin a particular order, in certain embodiments the blocks herein may beperformed in a different order or omitted, and additional blocks can beadded. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theprocess of the illustrated embodiment may be implemented with anydevice.

At block 1302, a fluid conduit ay be connected to an annular channel. Atblock 1304, fluid may be released to the annular channel. For example,if the fluid conduit is a water hose, the water hose may release waterthat is in turn channeled and released into the annular channel. Atblock 1306, an element may be rotated around the annular member. Asdiscussed above, a tether may be configured to expand during rotation ofthe element around an ankle region of a person as the person rotates theelement around the ankle. A person may play with such a device, forexample, continuously moving the collar in a small circular motion. Inthis way, the element horizontally revolves around the collar based onthe circular motion made be the person. At block 1308, the tether may beexpanded as the element rotates. At 1310, the fluid may be released fromthe element.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of assembling the device, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. Although the method in FIG. 14 isillustrated in a particular order, in certain embodiments the blocksherein may be performed in a different order or omitted, and additionalblocks can be added. A person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the process of the illustrated embodiment may beimplemented with any device. At block 1402, a collar may be connected toor coupled with a tether at a first end of the tether. At block 1404,the tether may be connected to or coupled with an element at a secondend of the tether.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of certain embodiments have been described herein. Itis to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, theembodiments may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

Various modifications of the above-described embodiments will be readilyapparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of theapplication. Thus, the present application is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The embodiments of the invention described above are exemplary innature. A wide variety of other embodiments are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a collar configured to fitaround an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first endconnected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end ofthe tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotationof the element around the angle region of the person.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the tether is configured to expand radially via liquidchanneled from the collar to the element.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the tether is configured to expand by at least ¼ of its lengthvia centrifugal force.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tethercomprises at least two nested tubes.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinthe first end is a removable connection between the tether and thecollar.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end is a removableconnection between the tether and the element.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the first end is continuous, and the second end is a removableconnection between the tether and the element.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the element is in a shape of an airplane configured to takeflight during the rotation.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the collarcomprises an annular channel configured to channel flowing liquid. 10.The device of claim 9, wherein a fluid source conduit is in fluidcommunication with the annular channel.
 11. The device of claim 9,wherein the annular channel is configured to remain stationary duringthe rotation.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein fluid from the fluidsource conduit is configured to be channeled out of the element.
 13. Adevice, comprising: a collar configured to fit around an ankle region ofa person; a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; andan element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tetheris configured to lengthen and channel liquid during rotation of theelement around the angle region of the person.
 14. The device of claim13, wherein the tether is configured to expand by at least ¼ of itslength via centrifugal force and the tether comprises at least twonested tubes.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the collar comprisesan annular channel in which liquid is configured to flow.
 16. The deviceof claim 15, wherein a water source conduit is in fluid communicationwith the annular channel, and the annular channel is configured toremain stationary during the rotation.
 17. The device of claim 16,wherein the collar comprises an outer annulus that is configured torotate while the annular channel is stationary.
 18. The device of claim16, wherein the annular channel is in a U shape.
 19. The device ofclaim, wherein the tether comprises an elastic material.
 20. A method,comprising: connecting a collar with a tether at a first end of thetether, wherein the collar is configured to fit around an ankle regionof a person; and connecting the tether with an element at a second endof the tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand duringrotation of the element around the angle region of the person.